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Is Gold Coast water safely disinfected with chlorine or chloramine?

Is Gold Coast water safely disinfected with chlorine or chloramine?

Where does Gold Coast water come from?

Your Gold Coast water is sourced from Seqwater, which literally can source it from anywhere. The most common is from rainfall collected in dams which are part of lakes, rivers and streams.

Remember, all rainwater is essentially recycled water. So before the water gets to your taps, it has travelled a long way. Frequently it has travelled overground, picking up dirt, decaying vegetation and animal droppings.

Gold Coast water is mainly from the Hinze Dam, and the Little Nerang Dam system is the city’s main water source. It has a total capacity of around 320GL, and the upgrades to the Hinze Dam completed in 2011 have increased its ability to store water during floods. The area that provides water to the dam is 207 square kilometres and includes the Numinbah Valley and Springbrook Plateau, with most of it being covered by natural bushland in state forests and national parks.

The Gold Coast Desalination Plant (GCDP) was also added in 2009 as an additional source of drinking water, which converts seawater from the Pacific Ocean into safe drinking water. The city receives treated drinking water from Seqwater, which is treated at the Molendinar and Mudgeeraba water treatment plants (WTP) with a combined capacity of around 265 ML/day, and the GCDP with a capacity of 133 ML/day. Sometimes they also receive additional water from the Mt Crosby WTP through the Southern Regional Water Pipeline (SRWP), which has a capacity of 130 ML/day.

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG) state that disinfection is the most important step in ensuring safe drinking water. The city’s drinking water supply is disinfected using chlorine (hypochlorite) and GCWW works to ensure a level of disinfection between 0.2mg/L and 1.8mg/L throughout the drinking water supply network at all times. This is to prevent contamination of the drinking water and protect public health.

Hinze Dam source of Gold Coast water from Whywait Plumbing

How is Gold Coast water disinfected?

Disinfecting your drinking water means that naturally occurring bacteria and germs need to be destroyed before water is distributed through all the water supply main pipelines in the City of Gold Coast.

When it comes to disinfecting drinking water, two of the most commonly used chemicals are chlorine and chloramine. Both of these chemicals are effective at killing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, but they have some key differences.

Chlorine is a powerful oxidizer that has been used to disinfect drinking water for more than a century. It is a gas that is added to water in the form of a liquid or a powder. Chlorine works by penetrating the cell walls of microorganisms and destroying their enzymes, which kills the organisms. Chlorine is effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and protozoa. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Chloramine, on the other hand, is a compound that is formed when chlorine is combined with ammonia. Like chlorine, chloramine is added to water to disinfect it, and it is also effective at killing a wide range of microorganisms. However, chloramine is more stable than chlorine, which means that it can remain in the water for more extended periods of time. This can be beneficial because it provides a more consistent level of disinfection. In addition, Chloramine is less corrosive than chlorine and can be safer for your plumbing and appliances.

Both chlorine and chloramine have their own set of benefits and drawbacks, and each is suited to different types of water treatment applications. Chlorine is commonly used in small and large water treatment plants, and chloramine is mainly used in distribution systems and large treatment plants.

Your Gold Coast water flowing from your tap is currently disinfected with chlorine.

Can I filter my drinking water?

Filtering your drinking water is simple. Let’s face it most of us drink the water from the kitchen tap.

You can go to the expense of installing whole-of-house water filtration systems, but they are expensive to install and maintain.

For most people, the solution is to filter the water at the kitchen tap. Traditionally this was done with filter cartridge housings under the cupboard, which required a lot of maintenance.

Here at Whywait Plumbing, we have the solution as we have partnered with Taqua, a Japanese company, to bring you the best built-in filtration sink mixer on the market. This innovative product allows you to have filtered water directly from your kitchen sink mixer tap.

The Taqua sink mixer is a pull-out spray that has a water filter built into it, eliminating the need for a separate water filter. This convenient design provides your family with the healthiest and safest drinking water at the touch of a tap daily.

The Taqua sink mixer is made in Japan from lead-free materials, ensuring that your filtered water that you drink is free from harmful lead leaching. The water filter removes free chlorine, soluble lead, small dirt particles and other impurities from your tap water. The unique filtration channel and automatic cleaning system work to filter a massive 4 litres of water every minute. The sterilizing ceramic materials also keep bacteria out of the filter tap, ensuring the highest standard of cleanliness possible.

Taqua’s filter tap also preserves the minerals that are necessary for your body while removing chlorine, making the water taste better and safer to consume. Additionally, it is an alternative to buying bottled water, which is the same as tap water in terms of mineral content and hardness. Taqua’s built-in filtration sink mixer removes the chlorine from tap water while retaining the minerals. This provides you with fresh, delicious water in your home every day.

Suppose you are wondering which solution is best for your home’s drinking water filtration needs, it’s important to consult with a professional plumber such as Whywait Plumbing as we are a specialist who can determine the best solution for your specific situation. They can help you evaluate your water source, usage and infrastructure to find the best solution for your needs.

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Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

Planning now ensures you don’t blow your budget

When it comes to bathroom renovations, one of the biggest concerns for homeowners is cost. It’s no secret that these projects can quickly add up, leaving you with a hefty bill and a less-than-ideal outcome. But at Whywait Plumbing, we’re here to tell you that bathroom renovation costs don’t need to blow out of proportion.

First and foremost, you must clearly know what you want before you begin the renovation process. This means deciding on a specific design, layout, and materials. A clear plan will help you stay within budget and avoid costly changes or additions.

Another tip for keeping costs down is to focus on the essentials. While you may be tempted to splurge on fancy features, the basics often make the most significant impact. For example, you can create a beautiful, functional bathroom without breaking the bank by prioritising functional elements such as a new toilet, sink, and shower.

There is no disguising a bathroom in need of renovation

We have prepared a few tips and advice to help you keep costs down and maximise your budget when renovating your bathroom. Increasingly we are observing the simple fact that there is no disguising a bathroom needing renovation. These bathrooms have some or many of the following abominably dated features:

  • peach or pea green tiles,
  • failing grouting in floors and walls,
  • mould damage to the ceiling,
  • bathroom carpet,
  • gold plated taps with fake glass handles,
  • poor use of space,
  • wallpaper that looks like a ’70s disco freak chose it.

All of the above were standard design traits in bathrooms dating back over 10 years and often 25 years.

 For better or worse, bathrooms are a place for people to stamp their creative mark on a home.

 Often it was inexplicable to what they were trying to create with bizarre combinations such as black tiled walls and red-painted ceilings.

Bathrooms by their design and use factors are prone to failure over time

Generally, a bathroom needs some form of renovation after around five years, depending on how frequently it is used.

 But bathroom renovations do not have to be designer-level expensive affairs.

If you plan and know what you are doing, keeping a lid on bathroom renovation costs is not hard.

 Below are listed seven issues to be seriously considered so your bathroom renovation costs do not blow out:

1: Assess how much you need to change

The more you want to change, the more expensive the project will be. That is a guarantee.

If you are on a tight budget, you can still make a surprising difference to the look of a bathroom by just replacing tap handles, painting the walls and ceiling, plus sticking up shampoo shelves, towel rails or a lovely new mirror. All of which you could probably manage, provided you know what you are doing.

Re-tiling of floors and walls will cost a fair bit more. Still, surprisingly economical coating options are applied directly over existing tiles, reducing costs by reducing the amount of demolition work required.

Always be aware that anything involving electrical or plumbing fixtures, relocating fixtures, or adding new ones will cost considerably more.

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

2: Reuse or recycle fittings and fixtures

If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it rule applies. If there is nothing wrong with the existing fittings or fixtures, you can save a lot of money and unnecessary waste by resisting the overwhelming temptation to replace them.

 If you think about ways you can style and theme the bathroom to utilise what you already have installed and focus on the worst aspects of your bathroom.

 Old-style taps can be replaced relatively economically and efficiently.

 If your bath and vanity basin have been seriously abused over the years, it is possible to have them re-coated and to look like new for less than outright replacement.

 Vanity unit cupboard doors and draws can be replaced for much less than the outright replacement of the entire vanity.

3: Do not move plumbing fixtures

Relocating or adding new plumbing fixtures can be expensive.

Most homes are built on a concrete slab which makes relocating or adding extra plumbing fixtures much more expensive.

As much as possible, focus on reusing the existing water supply and drainage connection for your toilet, shower, bath, vanity basin and floor waste, as this will keep plumbing costs under control.

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out call Whywait Plumbing

4: Shop around for materials

This may sound obvious, but it requires discipline.

If you have the time and inclination, you will save a small fortune by shopping around and buying the necessary materials, fittings and fixtures.

If you are shopping, make sure you have done your homework and know exactly what you are looking for. For example, there is a considerable difference between wall and floor tiles.

Buying a bath with a centre waste to replace one with a waste at one end will cost you more to install.

Replacing a toilet requires that you know whether it uses an S or P trap outlet or whether the water connection is concealed or bottom linked.

Any paint for bathroom walls needs to be suitable for use in bathrooms so that your walls are resistant to moisture.

If you are supplying the fixtures and fittings, ensure everything is ready and available when renovation starts to prevent delays. Delays in fixtures being available will translate into increased costs.

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out get advice from Whywait Plumbing

5: Get your hands dirty

If you are willing and able, you can save a lot on labour costs by doing some of the work yourself and project managing the renovation.

Likely, you will still need to hire licensed contractors such as plumbers, electricians, waterproofers, and tilers for the renovation project. Still, volunteering to do manual work, such as demolition, will translate into lower labour costs.

Without exception, any discussion about what you can do yourself has to include a big, flashing neon warning. You cannot cut corners on some things and do it yourself. Licensed professional contractors MUST do waterproofing, plumbing and electrical work.

Doing it any other way is guaranteed to be illegal, substandard, dangerous, non-insurable and without the protections of a warranty.

Never believe handymen who tell you they can do everything.

It is also essential that you are confident before you start working that there is not any asbestos in your bathroom. Asbestos sheeting was very commonly used in bathrooms up until the late 1970s, and exposure to it can lead to cancer, so you will need to have asbestos removed by a specialist contractor using the correct safety gear who will dispose of it legally.

6: Plan very carefully and avoid variations

Careful planning and having an exact idea of what you want to achieve, what you are getting and how everything will be done before you sign any contract with a contractor will ensure you’re not stung with hefty fees for necessary changes.

Suppose you use a builder to manage your bathroom renovation. In that case, it is guaranteed he will charge over the odds for variations to a contract if you have made a selection mistake or want to change your layout or add additional fixtures.

Many builders will come in with a low quote to prey on clients who are not clear on their plans and have not prepared properly.

Regardless of how well you perceive you get along with the builder or other contractors, ensure that the fittings and fixtures are precisely what you are after and will fit exactly where they are supposed to go. The colours and tiles are strictly correct, the costs are itemised on the contract, and you are confident that all labour, material and administrative expenses are included.

Please ensure any variations are fully costed, and you approve in writing before they commence.

 

7: Things to be careful of

Make sure you have more than enough tiles because if they break in future or if they break some during your renovations, you want to have some spares on hand that are from the same batch so that they are a perfect match.

Beware of non-certified plumbing fittings and fixtures which are non-insurable and can make any future insurance claim null and void. Ensure all plumbing products have the WaterMark certification and comply with Australian Standards.

Avoid ordering plumbing or electrical fixtures online or overseas, as they will almost always be shoddy or inferior fittings and fixtures and will come back to haunt you.

Ordering online plumbing or electrical fixtures online invariably is not worth the savings they appear to offer.

Consider where you’re going to shower as your bathroom’s going to be out of action for a week or two at least, and always double any timeframe you have given by any contractor.

It is widespread to discover rotten timber under baths or behind shower walls which will require extra work, with any other savings you make being eaten up quickly if you are unprepared for that.

 

Plan a bathroom renovation from beginning to end

Ultimately your bathroom renovation is all about careful planning and managing expectations.

 Careful planning will assist you in ensuring your bathroom renovation costs don’t blow up in your face.

Finally, don’t be afraid to shop around for the best deals. Compare prices and materials from different suppliers, and consider hiring a trusted, experienced contractor who can help you get the most bang for your buck.

At Whywait Plumbing, we understand that budget is a significant concern regarding bathroom renovations. But by following these tips, you can create a beautiful, functional bathroom without blowing your budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you create the bathroom of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

Bathroom Renovation Costs Don’t Need to Blow Out

All tap braided flexible hose water damage is eliminated with auto flood stop isolation valves

All tap braided flexible hose water damage is eliminated with auto flood stop isolation valves

Protect your home from burst flexible hoses with auto flood stop isolation valves

One of the most common causes of home water damage is burst flexible hoses. These hoses are often used for taps, toilets, washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges.

While they are convenient, they can also be a source of severe problems if they burst. That’s why it’s essential to have an auto flood stop isolation valve installed on any flexible hose in your home. These valves will automatically shut off the water flow if a hose bursts, helping to prevent extensive damage.

What are auto flood stop isolation valves, and how do they work

Auto flood stop isolation valves are specifically designed to prevent flooding in homes. These isolation valves can detect and arrest water flow when flexible hoses burst, thus preventing water spillage into the adjacent rooms and flooding houses.

The valve works by acting as a check for water should the flexible hose start leaking and detects excessive water usage, triggering an automatic shut-off of the isolation valve so that the house remains safe from water damage. With these auto flood stop isolation valves, homeowners can rest easy knowing their home is protected even when flexible hoses burst.

Burst flexible hoses are a prime reason for installing auto flood stop isolation valves in your home

Installing water auto shut-off valves in your home can be a great way to protect your property from water damage caused by burst flexible hoses. Not only does water damage from these sources cause immediate destruction in the area it leaks, but it can also cause long-term issues as water works its way into walls, floors, and other unseen areas.

Installing water auto shut-off valves helps you avoid expensive repairs that can come with water damage and give you peace of mind knowing that the auto shut-off valve will turn off the water before a disaster quickly. Preventative measures such as installing water auto shut-off valves should be essential to caring for your property and should not be ignored.

How to install them in your home’s plumbing system

Installing auto flood stop isolation valves in your home plumbing system can seem intimidating, but it can be straightforward with the right expertise and assistance. At Whywait Plumbing, we are experienced in installing auto flood stop isolation valves to ensure a secure and proper installation. In addition, we will be able to run through the whole process with you and answer any questions.

Overall, auto flood stop isolation valves provide significant protection for your home plumbing system, making installation worth it in the long run.

The benefits of having auto flood stop isolation valves in your home

Having auto flood-stop isolation valves in your home is a great way to lower your insurance premiums and provide protection from water damage caused by burst flexible hoses. This type of valve automatically shuts off the water supply when it detects excessive water usage, reducing the risk of severe water damage to your home.

This extra layer of defence can give you peace of mind that you are doing all you can to protect your home and lower the chance of incurring expensive rectification costs associated with water damage. Additionally, installing them could mean lower insurance premiums since using such a device shows that you have put measures in place to protect your home from potential disaster.

Why you need auto flood stop isolation valves installed now

Auto flood stop isolation valves are a reliable and effective means of avoiding burst flexible hoses and stopping potentially disastrous leaking in your home. Such valves will detect any burst flexible hoses or fittings immediately. The containment of hot and cold water up to the isolation valve can be stopped within seconds.

This is possible with the help of a built-in detector in the valve that constantly monitors water pressure and flow rate while also ensuring that taps and appliances have the correct amount of pressure running through them. Thus, auto flood stop isolation valves provide homeowners with peace of mind and utmost safety in dealing with burst flexible hoses without incurring too much cost or worries about burst flexible hoses flooding the house.

Although auto flood stop isolation valves are not required to be installed, they offer increased protection for your family and valuables. Imagine the damage that could occur with a bathroom vanity mixer tap hot water flexible hose bursting while you are on holiday. In that case, the valve will automatically shut off the hot water flow into the mixer, limiting the amount of damage that can occur. Installation is relatively simple and can be done by licensed plumbing professionals at Whywait Plumbing.

Have you considered adding auto flood stop isolation valves to your home?

Yes it’s a fact that electrolysis can cause your copper pipes to leak

Yes it’s a fact that electrolysis can cause your copper pipes to leak

What causes Copper Pipes to get Electrolysis?

Copper pipes are a popular choice for plumbing because they are durable and resistant to corrosion. However, over time, copper pipes can develop a problem called electrolysis. This occurs when electrical currents pass through the pipes, causing them to corrode and weaken. If left unchecked, electrolysis can lead to leaks and even pipe failures. In this blog post, we will explain what electrolysis is and how to prevent it from causing copper pipe leaks.

Electrolysis is a chemical reaction that occurs when electricity is passed through a liquid or metal. In the case of copper pipes, the electrical current can come from a variety of sources, such as nearby electricity wires or stray currents from appliances and lights in ceilings. When the current passes through the copper pipes, it causes a reaction between the copper and the water in the pipes, which can weaken and corrode the pipes over time, causing copper pipe leaks.

Common signs of electrolysis in copper pipes are the blue-green discolouration on the pipes. This is created by the formation of copper oxide over time and is a byproduct of the electrolysis reaction. This electrolysis can cause pinholes and leaks in the copper pipes.

Increasingly the most common cause of electrolysis that we are finding is an electrical fault in the earthing of the copper pipes. This is especially true with properties that have been renovated. Unfortunately, locating earthing issues is complex, and we need to use an electrician to confirm or eliminate earth leakage as the cause. Other electrolysis causes can be due to dissimilar metals, such as galvanised, steel, brass and copper pipes, coming into contact with each other.

copper pipe leaks at McDonalds Oxenford from electrolysis

How do you know if your copper pipe has electrolysis?

Often the problem is not found until you have copper pipe leaks. For example, your copper pipe may have turned green and shown pitting. Once the leaking section of the copper pipe is removed, you will observe that the inside is no longer smooth but has internal corrosion. A close inspection will reveal a crater appearance with pitted holes starting to form.

Once a copper pipe leaks due to electrolysis, it is essential to locate the cause. The replacement copper pipe quickly becomes infected if the reason is not found and removed.

To prevent electrolysis in copper pipes, it’s crucial to identify and eliminate the source of the electrical current. This will involve working with an electrician to check for stray currents or power line interference. In addition, it’s vital to use corrosion inhibitors in the water supply to help protect the pipes.

Another way to prevent electrolysis is to use a cathodic protection system. This unique device is installed on the pipe to provide a negative charge, which neutralises the positive charge caused by the electrical current and prevents the corrosion of the pipes.

In addition to these preventative measures, it’s also important to regularly inspect and maintain your copper pipes. This includes checking for signs of discolouration or leaks and ensuring that the copper pipes are appropriately insulated to reduce the risk of electrolysis.

Leaking Copper Pipes Never Fix Themselves

In conclusion, electrolysis is a problem that can occur in copper pipes and can cause significant damage. However, by understanding the causes of electrolysis and taking steps to prevent it, you can help ensure that your copper pipes remain in good condition for many years.

For example, suppose you suspect your copper pipe leaks are ongoing and may be experiencing electrolysis. In that case, you must contact the qualified plumbers at Whywait Plumbing to diagnose and repair the problem immediately.

No, Plumbers Aren’t Scammers: Why Free Quotes Don’t Tell The Whole Story

No, Plumbers Aren’t Scammers: Why Free Quotes Don’t Tell The Whole Story

Free quotes are not worth the risk

Hello there, plumbing enthusiasts and sceptics alike! Welcome to Whywait Plumbing, the company that doesn’t wait to deliver first-class plumbing services to your doorstep. Today, we want to talk about a common misconception that some people have about our industry: the idea that plumbers should provide free quotes on demand.

While we understand the appeal of free things, we also know the value of our time and expertise. So, in this post, we’ll explain why we don’t do free quotes and why you shouldn’t expect us to do so. And we’ll do it in an informative and entertaining way because we believe that humour and authority can go hand in hand. So, let’s dive in!

“Free Plumbing Quotes”: The elusive mythical creature of the plumbing world

First, let’s clarify what we mean by “free quotes”. A free quote is a rough estimate of how much a plumbing job might cost based on a brief description of the issue and some general rates. Some people assume that plumbers should be able to give them free quotes over the phone or email without ever seeing the problem in person or doing any diagnostics. Unfortunately, this assumption is flawed for several reasons.

No matter how experienced, a professional plumber cannot provide legitimate plumbing quotes over the phone. The only way to diagnose a plumbing problem is through an on-site investigation. 

Stand out from the crowd by saying No to Free Plumbing Quotes and Yes to Quality Workmanship

For starters, plumbing is not a one-size-fits-all kind of service. Every plumbing problem is unique, and every solution requires a tailored approach. What works for one blocked drain may not work for another, and what looks like a simple blockage may actually be a sign of a more significant issue. Without inspecting the problem firsthand, a plumber can only make educated guesses about what the job entails and how long it might take. And as we all know, guesses can be wrong.

Secondly, plumbing is not a static industry. Prices, materials, and techniques can vary depending on multiple factors, such as location, weather, availability, and complexity. As a result, what might have been a fair price for a similar job last year may not be the same today.

Plumbers risk overcharging or undercharging for their services by providing free plumbing quotes. This can lead to dissatisfied clients and lost profits. Moreover, providing free quotes can also attract price shoppers and tyre-kickers, who are not necessarily interested in hiring a plumber but rather in comparing prices between competitors. We don’t want to waste our time on non-committal inquiries, and we don’t want to waste yours.

From a business perspective, free quotes don’t add up

Plumbing is a skilled trade that requires education, training, experience, and equipment. Our plumbers have invested time and money in becoming licensed, insured, and qualified to handle multiple plumbing issues. They are not hobbyists, amateurs, or volunteers. They are professionals who take pride in their work and expect to be compensated fairly for their time and skills. By providing free quotes, plumbers devalue their expertise and make it seem like anyone can do what they do. We don’t want to undermine our profession, and we don’t like to encourage others to do so.

Now, we know that some people might still insist that we should provide free quotes because “that’s how other plumbers do it”, “that’s what customers expect”, or “that’s the only way to get new business”. But we respectfully disagree.

“Genuine Free Plumbing Quotes”: A mythical creature like a Yowie, except they’re not as much fun and just as rare in plumbing

We believe that providing accurate, fair, and transparent quotes is more important than giving free quotes. We believe that building trust, communication, and relationships with our clients is more critical than providing instant gratification. We believe educating our clients about plumbing issues, prevention, and maintenance is more important than just fixing the symptoms. And we think having a sense of humour is more important than being too serious or stiff.

So, to sum it up: we don’t do free quotes because we care.

free quotes and Gary Mays
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